Ian conquers the Rock in record time
Fifth year of Aughrim GAA fundraiser
AUGHRIM GAA’s Run the Rock fundraiser took place for the fifth year last Sunday and once again it was an overall success. The event began in the BrookLodge Hotel, Macreddin, before competitors made the slog up and down Cushbawn Hill to return at the finishing line at Macreddin again. Funds raised from the event go towards Aughrim GAA with a percentage going towards Wicklow Hospice also.
Although numbers were slightly down on last year, the event was still a major success with the introduction of the children’s races in particular adding to the day. In all roughly 100 kids took part in categories from under 6 to under 14 and running over a 3.5km trail. It really added extra buzz to the whole day and is something Aughrim GAA club will look to build on in the event in the future.
Thanks must go to Bill Porter of Avondale Sports Shop, Rathdrum, who provided trophies and awards to the kids on the day in a presentation at the Brook Lodge hotel.
In total, 71 competitors took part in the adult race which was run over a very challenging 11 kilometer track.
They began from the BrookLodge, where they received a fantastic send off, through the trail on the BrookeLodge Golf club grounds, up Cushbawn mountain trail and back down to finish to a rapturous reception at the start/ finishing point.
Winner on the day was Ian Conroy from Raheeny Athletics Club who completed the course in an incredible course record time of 41 minutes 36 seconds. Second was Des Kennedy and a huge congratulations should go to third place finisher and local lad Derek Crammond who is still just 18 years of age.
It is by no means an easy course so the standard of running and times which were clocked were truly exceptional and really added to the prestige of the race.
The organisers wish to offer a huge thank you to the BrookLodge Hotel for hosting the event and the atmosphere at the start and finishing line really added to the sense of excitement and occasion for those taking part and spectators alike.
A great social gathering and get together was had in Des O’Toole’s pub in Aughrim for those still standing and able after the events. Aughrim GAA club would like to extend their thank you to O’Toole’s bar who sponsored the event and all the other sponsors who kindly donated and made the event a success.
These were Byrne’s Londis, Aughrim, Casey Concrete, Glenealy Garage, Arklow Home and Hardware and Autocare.
Aughrim GAA committee should also be thanked for organising the event and of course all the athletes and spectators who were there and took part should be congratulated on what was a great day out and get together for the local community.
It is a great day out for all involved and is something Aughrim GAA hope to continue to build on and improve into the future.
For the athletes it’s a great test of their strength and endurance and hopefully some will be recovered well enough to take part in the event next year.